2019: Osun Religious Leaders Charge Stakeholders On Peaceful Election
Religious leaders in Osun State have charged the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Security agencies and the media to be neutral, fair, just and transparent in their conduct before, during and after the coming general election.
While pledging their commitment to pray for peace and sensitice their followers on the need for it, the clerics urged the major stakeholders to handle their fellow citizens with dignity and respect worthy of fellow human being.
Addressing a joint press conference at the house of the Chief Imam of Osun in Osogbo yesterday, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola and Chief Imam of Osun, Sheik Musa Animasahun noted that peace is central to success, hence the need for all stakeholders to pursue peace.
They warned politicians who after they have failed in the public political arena would return home with cock and bull stories colored with religious sentiments in order to use religion to cheaply win that which their capacity as politicians and reputation as citizens has failed to win them to desist.
In his welcome address, the General coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Makers Centre, Rev. Father Peter Akinkunmi noted that with unfolding occurrence of political violence in some states in the country, it becomes imperative for JDPMC to organise a forum where the stakeholders in the coming election will rob mind to ensure a violence free elections.
Speaking at the event, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje said INEC is fully prepared to conduct a transparent, free, fair and acceptable elections.
He however cautioned politicians to play the game according to the rules adding that election is not a matter of life and death.
Also speaking, the state Director of DSS, who identified political intolerance and hate speech as the major factor militating against peaceful coexistence urged politicians to embrace peace in all their activities.
Stakeholders including religious leaders drawn from across the state, INEC officials, heads of Security agencies, politicians, youths among others attended the press conference.
ENDS
